Nursing Elites

1. A client is receiving continuous enteral feedings through a nasogastric tube. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Elevate the head of the bed to 30°
• B. Flush the tube with 50 mL of water every 2 hours
• C. Replace the feeding bag and tubing every 72 hours
• D. Check the client's gastric residual every 8 hours

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Elevating the head of the bed to 30° is the correct action to take when a client is receiving continuous enteral feedings through a nasogastric tube. This position helps prevent aspiration of the enteral feedings into the lungs, reducing the risk of aspiration pneumonia. Additionally, elevating the head of the bed promotes proper digestion and absorption of the feedings by utilizing gravity to facilitate movement into the stomach and through the gastrointestinal tract. Flushing the tube with water every 2 hours (Choice B) is not necessary for continuous feedings and may disrupt the feeding schedule. Replacing the feeding bag and tubing every 72 hours (Choice C) is not the standard recommendation unless there are specific concerns or complications. Checking the client's gastric residual every 8 hours (Choice D) is important but not the immediate action needed to prevent aspiration during enteral feedings.

2. A client has a pressure ulcer. Which of the following findings indicates healing of the ulcer?

• A. Increase in drainage.
• B. Decrease in size.
• C. Presence of foul odor.
• D. Reddened wound edges.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When a pressure ulcer is healing, there is a decrease in its size as the tissue repair progresses. This reduction in size is a positive indication of the healing process. An increase in drainage, presence of foul odor, or reddened wound edges are typically signs of infection or lack of improvement. Therefore, the correct answer is a decrease in size.

3. A healthcare provider is planning care for a client who has a new prescription for a high-fiber diet. Which of the following foods should the healthcare provider recommend?

• A. White bread
• B. Canned fruit
• C. Cheese
• D. Brown rice

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Brown rice is a whole grain that is high in fiber, making it an excellent choice for a high-fiber diet. Foods like white bread, canned fruit, and cheese are typically low in fiber and would not be the best recommendation for a high-fiber diet. White bread is processed and lacks the fiber content found in whole grains like brown rice. Canned fruit, although containing some fiber, often has added sugars and lower fiber content compared to fresh fruits. Cheese is a dairy product that is generally low in fiber and not a significant source of dietary fiber compared to whole grains.

4. When assessing a client with diabetes mellitus experiencing DKA, which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

• A. Tremors
• B. Urine retention
• C. Kussmaul respirations
• D. Bradypnea

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Kussmaul respirations are a type of deep and labored breathing pattern associated with severe metabolic acidosis, commonly observed in diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). In DKA, the body tries to compensate for the acidic environment by increasing the respiratory rate, resulting in Kussmaul respirations. This helps eliminate excess carbon dioxide and reduce the acidity of the blood. Tremors (Choice A) are not typically associated with DKA. Urine retention (Choice B) is not a common finding in DKA; in fact, clients with DKA often have polyuria due to the osmotic diuresis caused by high blood glucose levels. Bradypnea (Choice D), which is abnormally slow breathing rate, is not a characteristic finding in DKA where the respiratory rate is usually increased to compensate for metabolic acidosis.

5. What action should the nurse take to prevent aspiration in a client receiving enteral nutrition?

• A. Flush the feeding tube with water before and after feedings.
• B. Elevate the head of the bed to 30-45 degrees during feedings.
• C. Administer the feeding slowly.
• D. Check the client's weight daily.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Elevating the head of the bed to 30-45 degrees during feedings is essential to prevent aspiration in clients receiving enteral nutrition. This positioning helps decrease the risk of regurgitation and aspiration by supporting proper digestion and aiding food passage through the gastrointestinal tract. Elevating the head of the bed is a standard precautionary measure recommended to reduce the chances of aspiration and should be consistently implemented during feedings to ensure client safety and optimal enteral nutrition delivery.

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